American rapper Ye, formerly Kanye West, has apologised for his past antisemitic remarks in a full-page Wall Street Journal ad, attributing his behaviour to an undiagnosed brain injury and bipolar disorder.
He expressed regret, emphasising accountability and commitment to change.
"I lost touch with reality," Ye wrote, admitting that his actions during this period were a result of mental health challenges.
He expressed deep regret for his behavior, stating, "I regret and am deeply mortified by my actions in that state, and am committed to accountability, treatment and meaningful change."
Ye also emphasised that while his actions were wrong, they do not define his beliefs. "I am not a Nazi or an antisemite. I love Jewish people," he added.
The rapper’s apology comes after a series of controversial statements and actions, including expressing admiration for Adolf Hitler and using swastika imagery.
These incidents sparked widespread backlash and led to a prolonged period of public and professional consequences for the artist.
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) responded to Ye's apology, calling it "long overdue."
However, the ADL noted that an apology alone would not erase the damage caused by his previous remarks.
"The truest apology would be for him to not engage in antisemitic behavior in the future," an ADL spokesperson said.
The statement also referenced Ye's history of antisemitic actions, including a song he created with the phrase "Heil Hitler" and numerous antisemitic tweets.
In his ad, Ye opened up about his struggles with bipolar disorder, a diagnosis he received after years of denial.
Reflecting on his past behavior, Ye explained, "Bipolar disorder comes with its own defence system. Denial.
When you’re manic, you don’t think you’re sick. You think everyone else is overreacting. You feel like you’re seeing the world more clearly than ever, when in reality, you’re losing your grip entirely."
Ye also shared that a car accident 25 years ago had caused significant brain damage, which went undiagnosed until 2023.
He believes that this oversight contributed to his mental health issues, ultimately leading to his bipolar type-1 diagnosis.
The rapper described being in "a four-month-long manic episode of psychotic, paranoid and impulsive behaviour" in early 2025, which he said, "destroyed my life."
The ad also addressed his Black audience, apologising for letting them down and expressing gratitude for their support. Ye stated, "The Black community is unquestionably the foundation of who I am. I am so sorry to have let you down. I love us."
In the wake of the apology, Ye’s upcoming album, Bully, is set for release this Friday. Although the apology has drawn mixed reactions, it is clear that the rapper is seeking to make amends for his past actions while also working through his mental health struggles.
Ye’s public apology marks the beginning of what he hopes will be a path toward healing and understanding, both for himself and for the people he has hurt.
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